There’s a push for new domestic violence legislation in Albany. The problem here is the overly broad and somewhat vague definitions used in various bills including A-4488 which could be used against gun owners for minor things like flipping the bird to someone while driving. The issue bears watching to make sure gun rights don’t get trampled upon.

“Wednesday is the 30th anniversary of the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan. Gun-control advocates, including Reagan’s wounded press secretary, Jim Brady, will use the day to launch a renewed push for curbs on guns. Once again, chances are they won’t get very far … President Barack Obama, though he urged gun-control action in an essay March 13 in the Arizona Daily Star newspaper, hasn’t made a strong push. Congress is likely to remain preoccupied with budget battles, with lawmakers unlikely to tackle the divisive issue of guns …”

The antis are losing and it’s good to see at least some lamestream media outlets admitting it.

There are special elections this Tuesday in Monroe and Suffolk counties that give us an opportunity to engage in political activity.

In Rochester, there is a 3-way race for Mayor between former Mayor Bill Johnson, Democrat nominee Tom Richards and Green Party candidate Alex White. Johnson is not our friend. Having lost the Democrat nomination to Richards he is running on the Independence and WFP lines. Normally not having major party backing would be enough to doom a campaign, however, Johnson has name recognition and at least some union support so it is conceivable that he could win as turnout is always very low for special elections. It is worth the effort for gunnies to show up and vote against Johnson.

In Suffolk, Martin Haley is running for county legislature in the Brookhaven district. He previously served in the county legislature from ’96 – ’03. During his tenure he helped to improve the pistol licensing process. For this reason he has NYSRPA’s endorsement.

“Rep. Carolyn McCarthy’s (D-NY04) bill to ban high-capacity ammunition magazines has reached a new milestone, with 100 cosponsors now supporting the proposal … The 100 cosponsors hail from every part of the country, and represent a broad coalition of Congress members representing urban, suburban and rural areas …”

It’s not a broad coalition. It’s the same tired, old leftists kooks in the House making some noise. The Senate bill S-32 has 10 sponsors.

“… The rapid growth in support behind the bill – which was introduced on Jan. 18 – is the result of a two-pronged strategy being executed by Rep. McCarthy and a nationwide network of advocates …”

Their strategy is the the same tired, old plan whereby professional activist groups and their mouthpieces in Congress give talking points to big city, leftist newspapers who pen glowing op-eds touting whatever crackpot ideas the activists are pushing at the time. Real Americans don’t pay attention to the gobbledygook the New York Times puts on their op-ed page which is why, despite the headline, McCarthy’s bill hasn’t gone anywhere after being shoveled off to the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security last month.

These groups are little more than astroturf. They don’t have a real constituency like NRA does so there’s no way members of Congress are being bombed with demands from their constituents back home to sign onto this bill.

“… “The broad and steadily growing coalition of cosponsors for the bill to ban high-capacity magazines is a clear sign that millions of Americans support commonsense measures to address gun violence,” Rep. McCarthy said …”

You know who is missing from this growing coalition? President Obama. Even he knows McCarthy’s bill is a stinker and has not endorsed it.

“… The announcement was presided over by U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. “Thanks to Remington’s continued confidence in this capable work force, we’re going to see even more good-paying jobs at the plant, creating positive ripple effects throughout the region,” Schumer said. “The addition of these jobs strengthens the ability of the Remington plant in Ilion to compete for the many Department of Defense small arms M-4 and M-16 style firearms.” … “Remington Arms is becoming the economic engine of Herkimer County,” Schumer said …”

“… Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer joined Remington officials and plant employees to announce that Bushmaster Firearms is relocating a manufacturing facility from Windham, Maine to Ilion, NY, bringing over forty new jobs to Central New York in the process. Schumer has been a long-time supporter of manufacturing at the Remington plant, urging top Army officials to open up competition for the Army’s small arms contracts to other U.S. manufacturers and domestic producers across the country like the Ilion, New York-based Remington. Today, Schumer applauded Remington’s decision to add new jobs to the productive and capable work force already making the factory an economic powerhouse in the Mohawk Valley. “What a great day for Remington’s Ilion plant, the Mohawk Valley, and Central New York’s economy,” said Senator Schumer. “Thanks to Remington’s continued confidence in this capable workforce, we’re going to see even more good-paying jobs at the plant, creating positive ripple effects throughout the region. The addition of these jobs strengthens the ability of the Remington plant in Ilion to compete for the many Department of Defense small arms contracts available this year by adding to the skilled workforce and further enhancing the manufacturing capability for M-4 and M-16 style firearms. As I have always done, I will work tirelessly for a fair and open contracting process with the military so the Ilion plant and its workers can compete on a level playing field, and continue to produce the high quality equipment our men and women in uniform deserve and expect.” Senator Schumer has long been a strong supporter of the Remington facility …”

“NYSRPA is pleased to hear that Remington Arms Co. will be expanding their business at the Ilion plant to include the Bushmaster line of AR-15 style rifles. As the nation’s oldest gunmaker, the Remington name has been synonymous with quality firearms for almost 200 years.

Senator Charles Schumer has long been a strong supporter of the Remington facility and we were tickled pink that through his tireless efforts and inspirational leadership New York State will be the new home of “the black rifle.”

Of course, without customers available to buy these fine products, the economic engine of Herkimer County will sputter to a halt. Therefore, NYSRPA calls upon Sen. Schumer to endorse repealing onerous federal and state laws prohibiting ordinary citizens from possessing such firearms, magazines and accessories, and in particular the 2000 New York law signed by Governor George Pataki. NYSRPA officials are available to assist Sen. Schumer in this endeavor and we eagerly await his response.”